Report: KC Chiefs’ Bryan Cook Avoided Worst-Case Scenario With Ankle Injury

A Monday morning report provides some new information on the scary injury to Kansas City's starting safety.

The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, but perhaps the most heartbreaking moment for the team came in the third quarter.

Following a first-and-10 pass from Jordan Love to AJ Dillon, safety Bryan Cook suffered an ankle injury that required him to be carted off the field. The in-game broadcast didn't even show a replay due to the scary nature of the play, leading many to assume the worst about Cook's status. After the game, head coach Andy Reid indicated that Kansas City was still gathering information on the injury. On Monday morning, there's a bit more clarity on the situation.

According to a report from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, X-rays on Cook's ankle came back negative. This confirms that the second-year safety didn't break his ankle, which is good early news for both him and the Chiefs.

X-ray came back negative on #Chiefs safety Bryan Cook's ankle injury, per source. Will undergo more evaluation today but he did not break his ankle.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 4, 2023

X-ray came back negative on #Chiefs safety Bryan Cook's ankle injury, per source. Will undergo more evaluation today but he did not break his ankle.

Cook recorded seven tackles prior to leaving Week 13's contest, matching his season-high total from Week 1. The 2022 second-round pick was enjoying a solid sophomore campaign in 12 games played, amassing 42 tackles, two passes broken up, two fumble recoveries and a return touchdown. The Chiefs let former starter Juan Thornhill depart via free agency in the spring, signaling that it was time for Cook to step up. He did exactly that during the offseason, slotting in alongside Justin Reid in the defensive backfield and forming a respectable duo.

In relief of Cook on Sunday, veteran Mike Edwards ended up playing 52 total snaps. That was good for 81% of those available, easily the most significant share he's had this season. Edwards is a true playmaker and has been good for Kansas City this year, although he's always been best suited as a third safety rather than a No. 2 option. As the Chiefs continue to learn more about the specifics of Cook's injury and how much time he'll miss, everyone on the team is hoping his recovery is quick. Defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke about it on Sunday night.

"Bryan's been playing so well for us," Jones said. "He's been a dominant force on the back end. For him to go down, I'm keeping him in my prayers. Hopefully, he can make a quick recovery. I don't know the situation of it; I just saw that he was in excruciating pain. I said a quick prayer for him. I've still got him in my prayers and hopefully, he can make a quick recovery to get back on the field with us."

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